Anyone have a Softopper fot their truck?

[OHOD]

I'm considering getting a Softopper for my pick-up.
Saw one on a truck yesterday when I came down from the mountains and thought they were neat and function good.

They remind me of the soft tops on military trucks.

Here is the website:

http://www.softopper.com/

I would use it as an adjunct to my camping equipment and hiking trips.
I would not use it for secure storage, basically just shelter from the elements.

[luckystrike]

thats pretty cool, I have stakes and a tarp just incase it rains I can prop it up in the bed of my truck.

[TurboChrisB]

I had one on my 89 bronco for a couple of years..it was made by a different manufacturer tho...think it was bestop or someone and I believe the quality was slightly less than the softtopper. I LOVED it...Works great and with the sides and back rolled up I LOVED the way it looked...very safari ish.

[OHOD]

Hmmmmm, considering a buy.

[problemchild]

Ive seen a few and they do not hold up to the sun very well. I would save my cash and track down a used snugtop. Snugs are far more secure as well. Plus snugs block out sound if you want to sleep in the back.

My GMC 2500 diesel with a snugtop.

[OHOD]

Ive seen a few and they do not hold up to the sun very well. I would save my cash and track down a used snugtop. Snugs are far more secure as well. Plus snugs block out sound if you want to sleep in the back.

My GMC 2500 diesel with a snugtop.

ugh

The logic is astounding.
I like the top and the truck.

For just a couple hundred more, I can get a full fiberglass rig.
Makes more sense.

[GigerO]

I have had one on my 1985 4runner for over 2 years now.

It's this one.

http://www.softopper.com/Softopper_Model__4Runner-details.aspx?TruckDetails=1984-1989%20Toyota%204Runner%20All

Works well and much lighter than the stock hardshell. Has a definite cool factor when you can roll up the 3 sides and go semi cabrio and still have shelter from the sun.

It did take me a bit of contemplating to make the final decision due to the $$, but it's a quality product and customer service is up to par. The material is pretty resilient as well. I took my 4runner on the "Escalator" in Moab and the top was dragged on the rear right side along side of the granite for a bit of time and did not wear through. Just a bit of scuffs to give it character...

BTW - I have no affiliation with the Softtopper guys. I'm just giving real world feedback.

Hope it helps.

[Malamute]

I'd suggest a hard topper also. I've had tarped pickups, and various hard toppers. It's nice having the security of a good topper, from people (keeping your gear safe) and the weather. I camped out of the back of my truck a LOT over several years when I lived in Az, and around the Rockies and to Alaska and back several times. I really like a hard shell. I built a bed in one side of the back at the level of the wheel well that had a hinged top that I could lock, to keep gear more secure, and out of sight, and keep the clutter down. Worked out well, and was fairly simple to do.

The best shell I've seen for toughness was from Phoenix, I think it was called a Frontier maybe? (Edit, it's Mountaineer) It was a steel frame shell, their advertisment was a pickup upside down on the shell. Most of the others I've seen cracked and worked loose when driving on backcountry roads much. I have one on my Nisan 4x, it's one tough shell, and insulated and finished nice inside. If you could find a decent used shell, it would save a ton of money. I've bought several from used car dealers, they generally take them off any vehicles they get in, and sell them fairly cheap.

I've seen a lot of fiberglass toppers crack when used on bad roads. They don't seem to hold up well on rough roads.

[OHOD]

I have had one on my 1985 4runner for over 2 years now.

It's this one.

http://www.softopper.com/Softopper_Model__4Runner-details.aspx?TruckDetails=1984-1989%20Toyota%204Runner%20All

Works well and much lighter than the stock hardshell. Has a definite cool factor when you can roll up the 3 sides and go semi cabrio and still have shelter from the sun.

It did take me a bit of contemplating to make the final decision due to the $$, but it's a quality product and customer service is up to par. The material is pretty resilient as well. I took my 4runner on the "Escalator" in Moab and the top was dragged on the rear right side along side of the granite for a bit of time and did not wear through. Just a bit of scuffs to give it character...

BTW - I have no affiliation with the Softtopper guys. I'm just giving real world feedback.

Hope it helps.

This is what I like about the soft top.
The sides can be rolled up and you can hang out in the back with fresh air.
But a hard top offers security and protection from the elements, but no air flow and $$

[TurboChrisB]

All true about fiberglass vrs softtop....but....the COOL factor is off the charts in comparison. Either choice is just fine....boils down to personal preference.

[Malamute]

Some of the hard shells I've had had sliding side windows with screens. They breathed pretty well but not the free feeling of having the sides rolled up. One shell I had was a work shell I guess. The sides would open up full length, hinging at the top edge. Was nice to get air, or make the bed while standing outside or to get gear out anywhere in the bed without crawling in. No skeeter screens tho. Top vents are nice too.

[Fireguy]

What a cool product it would be great for camping.

[problemchild]

If you get the hard top buy a locking tailgate, and lock it, or I can walk up and tug your tailgate down and get into the back even if its locked.

A few more things....

Rain when sleeping in the back is less notable less loud.
Security is higher as soft tops are a target for thieves.
If you are in the back and someone tries to break in now you are dealing with a persons life (yours or theirs).
Wind is less notable with a hard top.
Hard tops are warmer in extreme cold weather especially if you run a small heater in the AM.
Bear protection is higher.

[Malamute]

I didnt know there were locking tailgates. The rear door on the Mountaineer shell had a side hinged door and did away with the tailgate and was more secure I believe. I really liked it, tho I made a small shelf on the rear bumper for a step getting in, and putting things on the top rack. The top rack was strong enough to pack anythng the truck could carry without tipping over. The previous owner packed two elk on it, and a LOT of building materials over time.

[problemchild]

The snugtop is a hatchback glass lid with a standard tailgate from a pu below.

I didnt know there were locking tailgates. The rear door on the Mountaineer shell had a side hinged door and did away with the tailgate and was more secure I believe. I really liked it, tho I made a small shelf on the rear bumper for a step getting in, and putting things on the top rack. The top rack was strong enough to pack anythng the truck could carry without tipping over. The previous owner packed two elk on it, and a LOT of building materials over time.